This story first appeared in SLAM 250.
I find joy in collecting because it brings me satisfaction to have everything organized and accounted for. Knowing that all the numbers add up and everything fits perfectly in its place. The fact that each SLAM issue is numbered, representing a date on the basketball timeline, is something that resonates with me. It may seem strange, but don’t judge me.
When we reached Issue 200 in August 2016 with the Iverson/Jordan double feature, it was a major milestone for us. In the eight years since then, there have been changes, albeit not drastic ones. However, back in 2001 when we hit Issue 50, the changes from our inception in 1994 were significant.
The internet had revolutionized how we consumed basketball information. Salaries had skyrocketed from hefty to astronomical. Streetball had become a staple in our DVD collections, and the baggy fashion era was just beginning. Through all these changes, Michael Jordan remained the basketball god.
It was only fitting that one of MJ’s most iconic moments, the free-throw line dunk in the White Cement 3s, graced the cover of our 50th issue. We approached it differently by not only featuring three alternate covers but also showcasing never-before-seen camera angles. Our close relationship with NBA photographer Nat Butler, known for his iconic basketball images, allowed us to use exclusive shots of this pivotal moment in Jordan’s career for our 50th issue covers.
The “familiar yet different” theme of the SLAM 50 covers encapsulates the essence of our early years. We give you something familiar, but with a twist that makes you take a second look. It reminds us that everything evolves while somehow remaining the same. It’s chaos executed perfectly, with everything falling into place on the basketball timeline.
